Ecological Planner

**Job Number***:
**48081**

Join us as an Ecological Planner and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Edmonton's green network. In this dynamic position, you will be at the forefront of municipal planning and development, actively involved in reviewing ecological data, collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, and ensuring projects are instrumental in Edmonton's sustainable growth.

Your contributions will be the bedrock of informed decision-making, ensuring that all planning applicants provide accurate ecological information. As an integral part of the Open Space Strategy team, you will champion the city's open space network and ecological functions, in line with established policy.

If you are passionate about preserving Edmonton's natural beauty, driving sustainable development, and enjoy collaborating with diverse teams, we invite you to be part of this exciting journey towards a greener, more vibrant city. Join us as an Ecological Planner, and let's shape Edmonton's future together.

With a focus on the City of Edmonton’s Cultural Commitments to Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent, you will:

- Assess detailed ecological studies and reports in support of land use plans and policy development
- Support the technical review of municipal environmental impact assessments
- Support the development and implementation of municipal policy and strategies for the delivery of parks and open space services through the research and review of interdisciplinary studies and reports
- Participate on interdepartmental teams to advance the City’s policies and strategies for ecological and parkland planning
- Plan and facilitate internal engagement across relevant City departments to identify key issues and opportunities for cross-departmental coordination of ecological and parkland planning policy review and development
- Support the planning and facilitation of stakeholder engagement to gain diverse perspectives and expertise on complex projects
- Develop implementation strategies to support partners (City staff, community groups, industry) in moving plans into action
- Collect, analyze and present data required to support strategic and business planning activities
- Maintain a current level of knowledge about technical ecological issues faced by the City in the planning and management of natural systems
- Undertake other related duties as required

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelor's Degree in Botany, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field
- Masters degree preferred
- Minimum of 2 years of progressively relevant and responsible experience, including ecological and open space planning, technical environmental review, policy development, and project management
- Designation and/or eligibility for designation as a Professional Biologist
- Membership with one or more of the following professional organizations is an asset:

- Alberta Society of Professional Biologists
- Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals
- Alberta Institute of Agrologists
- Experience working with ecological technical reports including environmental reports, biophysical assessment, natural area management plan, wetland assessment etc.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban and regional planning and environmental planning, including applicable legislation and regulatory requirements
- Broad and demonstrated knowledge in handling simple and complex projects, including the ability to effectively exercise discretion and interpret requirements
- Demonstrated ability to conduct research, negotiate and consult with stakeholders, and provide tactful presentation of challenging issues for decision-making and implementation of solutions
- Knowledge of statistical techniques and research methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Knowledge of computer systems, including the Google platform, word processing, spreadsheets, and mapping
- Demonstrated ability to build professional networks and establish and maintain effective working relationships across City departments and externally with industry, government and community partners
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability and confidence to present effectively and explain complex information to a range of audiences
- Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing tasks
- Excellent customer service and teamwork skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external partners, stakeholders and the public in a fast-paced multi-disciplinary environment
- Demonstrate alignment with the Cultural Commitments of Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent, fostering an environment for others to do the same. For more information on the City’s Cultural Commitments, please visit edmonton.ca/our-culture
- Demonstrate the foundational competencies, key behaviours and attributes of the